The key to reducing the effect of an emergency on your life is to think about their potential impact and what you can do to reduce it—before an emergency occurs.

In Saint John, the following types of emergencies are possible or even likely. Click each to learn how you can prepare for that specific event.

• Flood
• Strong winds
• Power outage
• Severe storm
• Storm surge
• Wildfire
• Contagious disease
• Hazardous material

Be prepared

Prepare yourself and your family to be self-sufficient for at least three full days (72 hours). 

For your home

• copy of your emergency plan
• water and food
• manual can opener
• wind-up or battery-powered flashlight
• wind-up or battery-powered radio
• extra batteries
• first aid kit
• extra house and car keys
• cash – small bills and change
• special items such as formula, pet food, prescriptions, medication, etc.

For your vehicle

• blanket
• extra seasonal clothes and footwear
• first aid kit and seatbelt cutter
• water and snacks (e.g., energy bars)
• wind-up or battery-powered flashlight
• wind-up or battery-powered radio
• extra batteries
• list of contact numbers
• small shovel, scraper, and brush
• warning lights or road flares
• tow rope and jumper cables
• sand or salt
• whistle

Make a plan

Before starting your home emergency plan, you will need to think about:

• safe exits from your home and neighbourhood
• designated person to pick up your children should you be unavailable
• contact persons close by and out of town
• health information and special health needs
• place for your pet to stay
• location of your fire extinguisher, water valve, electrical box, gas valve, and floor drain

On behalf of the Chief City Engineer, Infrastructure Development administers municipal infrastructure and servicing requirements for sustainable development, and approves engineering drawings, municipal servicing plans, drainage systems, and utility installations.

Responsibilities of Infrastructure Development include:

• Advising on engineering standards necessary for reliable, effective, sustainable municipal infrastructure.
• Approval of the municipal engineering component of building permits, water and sewerage permits, street occupancy permits, and street excavation permits.
• Engineering input on development applications for municipal plan amendments, zoning by-law amendments, section 39 conditions, subdivisions, and various use permits.
• Approval of new utility installations within the City of Saint John.
• Utility locates for municipal infrastructure as part of “Call Before You Dig”.
• Inspection services related to development and maintenance projects.
• Policy development, recommendations, and administration related to municipal infrastructure.
• Liaison with other levels of government, utility companies and others on infrastructure and engineering issues.

Before you begin work

• Permits and approvals must be obtained prior to working within a municipal right-of-way (City limits).
• Infrastructure locates must be obtained prior to any excavation.
• Inspections of municipal services are required prior to backfilling.
• All work within a municipal right-of-way must be in accordance with the City’s General Specifications and/or approved regulatory authorities.
• Directing stormwater to adjacent lands is prohibited.
• Consult the Excavation By-Law for more information.

Ihtoli-maqahamok - The Gathering Space [ee-doe-lee MAH-qwah-HA-muck]

For many decades, the space just beyond the intersection of King and Water streets in Uptown Saint John has been used for community gatherings - live music, festivals, and celebrations of all kinds. Now, it is entering a new era of access and expansion.

It is a name that pays homage to the ancestors of the land on which it rests, and to the spirit of the space and the way it has been and will be used: as a place of community and gathering.

As part of the City's waterfront development, Ihtoli-maqahamok – The Gathering Space, has been reinvigorated and reimagined, with the addition of a community skating rink, indoor/outdoor patios, an expanded stage for concerts, film screenings, and other special events. It also includes space for craft and food vendors, and easy access to enjoy the waterfront.

The design elements of Ihtoli-magahamok – The Gathering Space are rooted in three foundations of Saint John: the people, the water, and the rocks. It will be a significant landmark and a place of togetherness. A destination, and a meeting place for locals and visitors to come together.

The City of Saint John would like to thank all those involved in naming and bringing this space to life. The naming process was a multi-phased community effort, with help from Saint John residents, the City’s Civic Commemoration Committee, Common Council, and First Nations’ leaders and Elders from the Wolastoqey Nation in New Brunswick (WNNB).

The Committee acknowledges that this space is important to the Loyalist heritage in the region, which will be recognized through interpretive panels in the area and the meaning of the new name.